The Impact of Structural Factors on the Health of Older Migrating Adults: Testing the buffering effect of social capital and social integration

While older adult migration in China has received significant attention, the related health research and the pivotal role of social relations have been underexplored. This study, grounded in the theory of the relationship between social capital and health, as well as the social integration theory of migration, examines how social capital and social integration buffer health inequalities among older migrants in China, emphasizing the differing roles of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital.
Methodology: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 survey, three health outcomes: physical function, cognitive function, and mental health were investigated in 3,137 migrating seniors aged 60 years or older. Multiple linear regression and moderation models were developed to test the direct effects of income, hukou and residence on health, and the moderating effects of social capital and social integration.
Results: Health inequalities based on structural factors differ across physical function, cognitive function, and mental health. Income and residence positively influence all three health outcomes, while hukou solely relates to cognitive function. Social capital demonstrates category-specific variances in mitigating health disparities. Bonding SC buffered all three health inequalities associated with structural factors. Bridging SC buffered only mental health disparities, while linking SC buffered only physical function inequalities. Social integration only buffered disparities in physical function related to structural factors, but behavioral integration somewhat exacerbated inequalities in physical function between urban and rural areas.